Laser eye surgery is not the best option when safer or more effective alternatives exist, or when eye health or expectations make corneal reshaping unwise.
Clinical reasons to avoid or delay laser
Certain findings mean the risks of corneal weakening or poor visual quality are too high.
- Thin or irregular corneas, keratoconus, or suspicious topography
- Significant cataract, macular disease, or uncontrolled dry eye
- Very high prescriptions beyond safe laser ranges
- Unstable refraction that is still changing
- Systemic or eye conditions that impair healing
Preference and lifestyle reasons
Sometimes laser is technically possible but still not the wisest choice.
- Contentment with glasses and no strong motivation for surgery
- Occupations needing flawless night vision with minimal risk tolerance
- Perfectionist expectations that no real‑world procedure can meet
- Better fit with ICLs or lens replacement given age and prescription
- Reluctance or inability to attend follow‑up and follow instructions
